OUR CLIMATES and SOILS

Rogue Valley - Established AVA 1991
. Considered one of the hottest growing regions in Oregon.
. Approximate rainfall: 20-35 inches annually.
. Similar to France’s Bordeaux region, its warm dry climate benefits Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Malbec and Syrah.
. Soils range from sandy loam to hard clay.

Applegate Valley – Established AVA 2001
. Warmer and drier than the neighboring Illinois Valley but not as warm as the
Bear Valley area which follows the I-5 corridor.
. The Applegate Valley is home to Bordelaise varieties such as Merlot and
Cabernet Sauvignon in addition to Syrah and Chardonnay.
. The Applegate, Illinois and Bear Valleys are considered all sub-sections of the
Rogue Valley.
. Soils include decomposed granite derived from stream terraces and alluvial
fans.

Illinois Valley - Not an official AVA
. It’s higher elevation and coastal influence creates a micro-climate suitable
for Burgundian varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
. Additionally the climate is highly agreeable to Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot
Gris and Muscat.
. Soils consists of stream-deposited sand, silt and gravel, bench gravel
deposits, and glacial moraines.
. Climatically the area is influenced by the high elevation and marine effect.

Umpqua Valley – Established AVA 1984
. Oregon’s oldest viticulture region is considerably cooler than the Rogue Valley
. The area also has the highest annual rainfalls within the SOWA boundaries –
52.5 in Elkton and 33.5 in Roseburg.
. This climate lends itself well to the Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Viognier
and Grenache and the Spanish Tempranillo, Albariño and Graciano.
. Temperatures may vary as much as 60° in the summer.
. The valley consists of a wide range of soils including alluvial, terrace and
upland.

Southern Oregon - Established AVA 2004
. Comprises the Umpqua, Applegate and Rogue Valleys.